Korean Sign Language
PrintPrimary tabs
A language of Korea, South
180,000 in South Korea (2008 WFD). Approximately 0.4% of total population. Total users in all countries: 308,000.
Scattered.
4 (Educational). Recognized language (2016, Korean Sign Language Act), Requires a KSL Development Plan every five years, promotion of standardization, use of KSL in education, promotion in other areas of life, competency testing, and interpreters.
None known. Related to Japanese [jsl] and Taiwanese [tss] sign languages. Exact amount of difference with the sign language variety in North Korea is unknown, but some reports indicate substantial communication problems between the two varieties, so they might need to be recognized as separate languages.
Finger-spelling system.
Used since 1889. Signed interpretation required in court, used at important public events, and social services programs. Instruction for parents of deaf children. Many sign language classes for hearing people. Some also use Korean [kor].
Primary schools for deaf children using sign language since 1908. TV. Dictionary. Agencies: Korea Association of the Deaf; National Institute of the Korean Language.